To mark the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death, the National Portrait Gallery is staging a free display of photographs documenting the actress's connections with Britain. Photographs and magazine covers, vintage prints and film stills trace the transformation of the world famous star from popular pin-up to acclaimed actress between 1947 and 1962. During the year 1956 Monroe spent four months in Britain for The Prince and The Showgirl and photographs by Larry Burrows for Life magazine are included in the exhibition. Pictures of Monroe in a yellow bikini, and meeting the Queen are shown along with photographs taken by Cecil Beaton and a recently acquired photograph of British Pop artist Pauline Boty pictured in front of her painting of Monroe.

The National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of significant figures from the late 15th century to the present day. This isn't the place to come for serious works of exceptional artistic merit - the overriding aim of the National Portrait Gallery is to reflect the status of the sitter, not the artist - but where else in London could you hope to find The Beatles, Henry VIII, Sir Richard Branson and JK Rowling all hanging out together? The appeal of this gallery (opened in 1856) rests simply in its comprehensive commemoration of British history from the late 15th century to the present day through the medium of portraiture. More about National Portrait Gallery

Further articles featuring Marilyn Monroe: A British Love Affair on LondonTown.com

Find out the best London 2015 events with our comprehensive guide to the top entertainment in the city throughout the year. From January through to December, 2015 is packed with unmissable events - so read on to get the best out of London town.

Family Art Workshop: Characters

BP Portrait Award 2015BP Portrait Award 2015Three artists have been shortlisted for first prize at the 2015 BP Portrait Award: Matan Ben-Cnaan for Annabelle and Guy; Michael Gaskell for Eliza; and Borja Buces Renard for My Mother and My Brother on a Sunday Evening. Returning to the National Portrait Gallery for its 36th year the highly successful annual open competition, which attracted 3rd August 2015Sunday 20th September 2015
Where:

Three artists have been shortlisted for first prize at the 2015 BP Portrait Award: Matan Ben-Cnaan for Annabelle and Guy; Michael Gaskell for Eliza; and Borja Buces Renard for My Mother and My Brother on a Sunday Evening. Returning to the National Portrait Gallery for its 36th year the highly successful annual open competition, which attracted ... More about this event

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon Marking 65 years since Audrey Hepburn performed at renowned West End nightclub Ciro's - the space now occupied by the National Portrait Gallery's public Archive - NPG presents a major photography exhibition on the film star. Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon will follow Hepburn's rise to fame, from her early years in Holland to becoming a stage 3rd August 2015Sunday 18th October 2015
Where:

Marking 65 years since Audrey Hepburn performed at renowned West End nightclub Ciro's - the space now occupied by the National Portrait Gallery's public Archive - NPG presents a major photography exhibition on the film star. Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon will follow Hepburn's rise to fame, from her early years in Holland to becoming a stage ... More about this event

William Gifford Palgrave: Master Of DisguiseWilliam Gifford Palgrave: Master Of DisguiseA collection of photographs of the leading British explorer and scholar of the Middle East.3rd August 2015Friday 1st April 2016
Where:

National Portrait Gallery,
St Martin's Place
WC2H 0HE

Category: event

William Gifford Palgrave: Master Of Disguise

Free EventOngoing

Dates3rd August 2015 to 1st April 2016 | Pricing Free

National Portrait Gallery

A collection of photographs of the leading British explorer and scholar of the Middle East.

Lunchtime Lecture: Six Degrees Of Separation

Guest DJ: Richard OsborneGuest DJ: Richard OsborneDJ Richard Osborne combines many genres of music within his set to create a response to the temporary exhibitions within the gallery.6th August 2015Thursday 6th August 2015
Where:

National Portrait Gallery,
St Martin's Place
WC2H 0HE

Category: event

Guest DJ: Richard Osborne

Free EventOn Soon

DatesThursday 6th August 2015 - 6pm | Pricing Free

National Portrait Gallery

DJ Richard Osborne combines many genres of music within his set to create a response to the temporary exhibitions within the gallery.